Colo. Dem. lawmakers pick 1st gay House speaker

DENVER (AP) -- Colorado Democrats have elected the first openly gay House speaker in state history.

Democratic lawmakers picked Denver Rep. Mark Ferrandino on Thursday to lead the House, which they re-took in this week's election. His election won't be official until lawmakers reconvene next session and Republicans ratify the pick.

Democrats kept control of the Senate. They chose Sen. John Morse of El Paso County to be the new president. Morse was Democratic Leader under the last president, who is retiring because of term limits.

Democrats hope to pass civil unions legislation next year to grant same-sex couples rights similar to marriage. In-state tuition for illegal immigrants could also be on the legislative menu with Democrats firmly in charge.

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